To fly a waypoint mission with a DJI drone, tap the Waypoint Flight icon on the left of the DJI Fly camera view, add points on the map or by flying to each spot and pinning it, set what the camera does at each point, and start the route. DJI Fly saves it to the Library so you can fly the exact same path again. Waypoint Flight is built into the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Air 3S, Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro, but not the Mini 3, Mini 2 SE, Flip or Neo.
Which DJI drones have waypoints?
| Drone | Waypoint Flight | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Mini 4 Pro | Yes | Mini 4 Pro waypoints |
| Air 3S | Yes | Air 3S waypoints |
| Mavic 3 Pro | Yes | Mavic 3 Pro waypoints |
| Mavic 4 Pro | Yes | Mavic 4 Pro waypoints |
| Mini 3 | No | Mini 3 waypoints |
| Flip | No | Flip waypoints |
Enterprise drones such as the Mavic 3 Enterprise use DJI Pilot 2 instead, with full mission planning and mapping. See best drone for mapping.
Plan a route in DJI Fly
The steps are nearly identical across these models:
- Set obstacle avoidance to Bypass or Brake under Settings > Safety. DJI's manuals say the drone then brakes for detected obstacles during the mission; with it Off, it can't.
- Load the map while the controller is online.
- Tap the Waypoint Flight icon on the left of the camera view.
- Add waypoints. Before takeoff you can only use the map. In flight, pin points from the panel or a controller button where you are. DJI recommends flying to each point for accurate framing.
- Set each waypoint: altitude, speed, heading, gimbal tilt, zoom, hover time and camera action (None, Take Photo, Start or Stop Recording).
- Add a POI if you want the camera locked on one subject. Link waypoints to it.
- Set route options: global speed, End of Flight (Hover, RTH, Land or Back to Start) and On Signal Lost.
- Start the route, and keep your hands near the sticks.
Settings that matter most
- Altitude is from takeoff. Take off from the same spot to repeat a route accurately.
- Map-pinned points only save position. On the Mavic 3 Pro, their altitude defaults to 50 m.
- Paths curve between waypoints, so the drone can dip below your set altitudes. Leave clearance above trees and roofs.
- On Signal Lost: RTH is the safe choice. DJI notes "Continue" isn't allowed in the EU.
Good uses
- Time-lapse across seasons or day to night, from identical positions.
- Construction progress and roof checks on a repeatable path.
- Real estate: the same smooth reveal on every listing.
- Hyperlapse Waypoint mode on many models, for moving time-lapses.
Waypoints and the law
Automation doesn't change FAA rules. Keep the drone in visual line of sight, stay at or below 400 ft, and get LAANC authorization in controlled airspace. Flying beyond line of sight needs an FAA waiver; the Part 108 BVLOS rule wasn't final in early October 2026. See can you fly a drone beyond line of sight?
Planning on a computer or importing KML
DJI Fly's manuals don't describe importing KML or KMZ files. See DJI Fly waypoint KML missions for your options, and DJI Fly vs Litchi for third-party apps.
Newer models such as the Mini 5 Pro are covered in Mini 5 Pro waypoints. Not sure which drone fits? Try the drone finder, or start with the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
- DJI Fly waypoint missions and KML/KMZ import
- How to fly waypoint missions with the DJI Air 3S
- How to fly waypoint missions with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
- How to fly waypoint missions with the DJI Mini 4 Pro
- How to fly waypoint missions with the DJI Air 3
- How to fly waypoint missions with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro
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